Pokémon: Dragons, Dragons, & Dragons.

Mordred Pendragon hates two things in this world:

1. People who dare call her a woman.

2. Rin's stupid plans.

And now, she had to endure both. Her father had trusted her to escort her "baby sister," Rin, to the Gym in Pewter City for some of their stupid bet nonsense. But before she could deal with all that, she was heading to her favorite Pokémon Center in the city—the one that served the best cafeteria food in the region.

Pewter City wasn't exactly a hub of luxury, but the Pokémon Center designated Gamma stood out as a gem. Pokémon Centers in the area were numbered in Greek letters from one to seven, and Gamma had built a reputation not just for quality care but for its cafeteria, which catered to trainers and their Pokémon with gourmet precision. Mordred loved it.

It was one of the few places where she could enjoy her solitude without being judged for her hearty appetite. Her favorite dish was the Volcano Curry, a fiery specialty that most trainers couldn't handle. She liked her food the same way she liked her battles: hot, intense, and leaving her opponents gasping for air.

"Move it, lady!" A voice from behind barked as she approached the doors of the Center.

Mordred froze. She turned slowly, her crimson eyes narrowing at the unfortunate trainer who had just stepped on a landmine. A boy, no older than twenty, stood there with his arms crossed, glaring impatiently.

"What didst thou just call me?" she growled, her crimson eyes narrowing as she leaned closer.

The boy hesitated, realizing too late that he had chosen the wrong target. "Uh… uh, I didn't mean it like—uh—"

Mordred's hand went to the hilt of her Pokéball, her voice rising in fury. "Speak plain, knave! I shall cleave thine insult asunder and make thee rue the day thou wert born!"

"Good heavens, Mordy, do calm thyself," came an irritatingly familiar voice.

Mordred gritted her teeth as Rin sauntered up behind her, her Ninetales trailing gracefully at her side, tails swishing in perfect unison. Rin's tone was light, mocking, and maddeningly composed. "Shall we save the duels for later? You're making a scene."

"Rin!" Mordred barked, pointing an accusatory finger at her sister. "Thou foul meddler! This hath naught to do with thee!"

Rin smirked, waving off Mordred's fury like a fly. "Oh, Mordy, you're so easy to rile up. Come along. Father didn't send us here to terrify the locals."

With a huff, Mordred stormed into Pokémon Center Gamma, shoving the doors open with a dramatic flourish. Inside, the familiar warmth of sizzling spices and baked goods greeted her, but her appetite for destruction still simmered. She stomped toward the counter, ignoring Rin's smug smile.

"If thou dost ruin this day with thy nonsense, sister," Mordred warned, her tone dripping with venom, "I shall make thee regret thine every breath!"

Rin merely chuckled, taking her seat at the table. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Mordred dropped heavily into her chair, crossing her arms as she waited for her order. If the Volcano Curry didn't ease her temper, she had no idea what would.

The two sisters sat at a corner table, their orders arriving on steaming trays that nearly overflowed with food. Plates of Volcano Curry, piles of fried rice, skewered meats glistening with sauce, and bowls of thick, spicy soup filled the air with a mouthwatering aroma. The staff exchanged wary glances, unsure if the amount of food was for two people or a battalion.

The sheer amount of food on the table drew stares from nearby trainers, though the sisters paid them no mind. 

A massive bowl of Volcano Curry, its deep red sauce bubbling with heat, sat in the center like a challenge. Beside it, a steaming plate of grilled skewers glistened with a glaze of honeyed teriyaki. Bowls of fragrant rice topped with roasted vegetables, golden tempura coated in the crispiest batter, and a platter of thick udon noodles swimming in rich, smoky broth surrounded the table. For dessert—or perhaps as a challenge—a tray of mochi ice cream, its delicate colors contrasting with the fiery meal, rested off to the side.

Ever impatient, Mordred dug into her curry with a ferocity rivaling a wild Gyarados. She grabbed the ladle from the Volcano Curry bowl and poured it directly over her rice, the fiery sauce pooling like lava before she dug in with an enthusiasm that left her jaw clenched. "Hah! This curry truly dost burn like the fires of yonder volcano! A meal most worthy of my station!" she declared between bites, her voice muffled as she shoveled another spoonful into her mouth. 

Sitting across from her, Rin giggled lightly behind a dainty hand before picking up a grilled chicken skewer. "Mordy, darling," she drawled, her voice lilting with amusement, "must thou always eat with the grace of a rampaging Rhyhorn? Like, seriously, have some pride!" She took a delicate bite, pausing to fan herself dramatically. "Ara, this spice doth carry a bite most formidable."

She quickly bit into the skewer, savoring the tender, smoky chicken before delicately placing the stick on her plate. Then, as if to mock Mordred's pace, she picked up a piece of tempura shrimp and dipped it into a citrusy ponzu sauce, eating it with measured bites.

Mordred paused only to glare at Rin. "Hold thy tongue, sister! 'Tis not my table manners that matter—it is my victory!" She slammed a finished bowl onto the table as if to punctuate her point. "Food is a battle, not a painting! Thou art wasting time!" She punctuated her words by grabbing a skewer, devouring the meat in one swift motion, and tossing the empty stick onto the growing pile beside her.

Rin rolled her eyes and let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh my kami, must thou always be so barbaric? 'Tis why I always win! I hath mastered the art of finesse, you know?" She punctuated her words by expertly twirling noodles with her chopsticks, eating with a theatrical grace that would make any audience applaud. "A battle, thou sayest? Nay, this is an art. Food is not merely fuel—it is an experience." She daintily finished her noodles and ate them with a small, satisfied sigh. "Ara, such depth of flavor! Truly, thou must learn to appreciate this, dear Mordy."

Mordred growled, reaching for the Volcano Curry again. She scooped another heaping serving onto her plate, this time tossing in roasted peppers and a handful of fried tofu cubes for good measure.

"Finesse!" Mordred barked with a laugh, grabbing a roasted pepper from Rin's plate. "Bah, finesse hath no place in war! And as for that, sister," she sneered, popping the pepper into her mouth, "this pepper belongeth now to me."

"Excuse me!" Rin gasped, her voice pitching upward into the unmistakable valley girl register. She narrowed her eyes and smacked the table lightly. "That was mine! Like, do I look like a fool to thee? Return it this instant!"

"It returneth not!" Mordred smirked, leaning back and savoring the pepper's heat.

Rin's Ninetales, seated gracefully beside her, let out a soft, amused chuff. Rin placed her hand on its head and sighed theatrically. "Verily, my beloved Ninetales, thou art witness to this most vile theft. Shall I smite Mordy where she sitteth?"

Mordred snorted, nearly choking on her curry. "Try it, and thou shalt know the wrath of one unafraid to ruin that perfect hair of thine!"

The contest escalated.

 Rin began picking up her pace, finishing bowls of miso soup and plates of skewered beef with an efficiency that belied her usual grace. Mordred, not to be outdone, polished off her Volcano Curry and began devouring the grilled fish platter, her hands moving as quickly as her mouth.

By the end of the meal, the table looked like a battlefield. Plates were stacked high with bones and empty bowls, and sauces dripped onto the once-clean tablecloth. The sisters leaned back in their chairs, their stomachs full but their rivalry as sharp as ever.

Mordred patted her stomach with a smug grin. "Verily, I have triumphed. None can match my appetite or strength!" She gestured to her towering pile of empty plates as though they were trophies.

Still composed despite her obvious fullness, Rin flicked her hair back with a haughty smile. "Quantity alone dost not maketh victory, dear Mordy. 'Tis all about refinement. Observe!" She gestured to her own neatly arranged pile of finished plates, each one cleaned to perfection.

Mordred rolled her eyes, wiping her mouth on her sleeve. "Refinement is for cowards. I eat like I fight—bold and without restraint!"

Rin laughed, rising from her seat with a final sip of tea. "Thou fightest like a starving Mankey, but I suppose even that hath its charm."

As they left the Pokémon Center, the staff exchanged glances, some chuckling at the chaos the Pendragon sisters had left behind. Ninetales trailed gracefully after Rin while Mordred adjusted her Pokéballs with a scowl.

"Mark my words, Rin," Mordred muttered, "the next battle shall end with thy defeat. And this time, thou shalt pay for dinner."

"Dream on, dear sister," Rin replied with a playful wink. "Next time, I'm ordering dessert, too."

Rin headed toward the front desk, her stride elegant and purposeful, her Ninetales following closely behind. She stopped in front of the counter and flashed a radiant smile at the Nurse Joy stationed there

"Welcome to our Pokémon Center. How may we be of assistance today?" she asked pleasantly.

"Greetings, fair lady of the healing arts," Rin greeted with a radiant smile. "I hath come to retrieve my Vespiquen, Vaporeon, Beautifly, Gardevoir, Lilligant, and Garchomp if thou wouldst be so kind." She extended her hand with a flourish, presenting her Trainer ID with the same grace she might wield a blade.

Nurse Joy nodded politely, accepting the card. "Of course, Miss Pendragon. One moment, please."

As Nurse Joy turned to access the storage system, Rin leaned lightly against the counter, inspecting her nails with visible satisfaction. "Ah, my nails art simply divine," she murmured to herself, tilting her hand to catch the light. "Truly, they sparkle as though kissed by the stars. Don't you agree, Flare?"

Her Ninetales let out a soft purr, its tails swishing elegantly in agreement.

A fake cough from behind broke the moment. "This makes me sick," Mordred muttered, her arms crossed as she leaned against the wall, glaring at her sister's display.

Rin rolled her eyes, a perfectly rehearsed gesture, and Flare matched the motion with its own annoyed huff. "I know, sister. Truly, thy spirit cannot abide beauty in any form."

Mordred bristled. "Beauty? Hah! 'Tis not thy nails that offend me, Rin—it's thy ridiculousness! Truly, thou art like some overfed Delcatty, prancing about as though the world is thy plaything."

Rin smirked, her eyes narrowing playfully. "And yet, thou dost linger in my shadow, dear sister. Might it be that thou art simply envious?"

Mordred's hands curled into fists, and her crimson gaze burned. "Envious? Of thee? Thou art mad." She gestured sharply toward the tray Nurse Joy was now setting down, brimming with Pokéballs. "Explain thy collection of folly! A Bug/Flying type, Water type, another Bug/Flying—absurdity upon absurdity! A Fairy—how in the name of Arceus dost thou tolerate such a cursed type?—a Psychic, Grass…"

Mordred's rant hit a crescendo as she spotted the sixth ball. Her eyes widened, and her voice exploded with incredulity. "AND WHEN THE FUCK DID YOU GAIN A GARCHOMP!?"

Rin's smirk widened, her hands resting elegantly on her hips. "Oh, Mordy, thy lack of faith in me wounds most deeply. Dost thou not trust in mine ability to command a Dragon? Nay, a queen such as I must have a suitable ace to match."

"Queen?" Mordred barked, pointing an accusing finger at Rin. "Thou art not fit to be a queen of aught save lies and vanity! A Garchomp is not a mere accessory to thy foolish theatrics!"

Rin gasped, her tone jumping into valley-girl indignation. "Excuse me? Lies and vanity? Thou dost wound me, sister!" She paused, her smirk returning as she toyed with a lock of her hair. "But alas, I forgive thee. Jealousy doth weigh heavily on the heart."

Nurse Joy returned moments later, pushing a tray laden with six Pokéballs. "Here are your Pokémon, all fully restored and in perfect condition. We've also prepared your Vespiquen's wings with a protective gloss, as per your request."

Rin's eyes lit up, and she gave an approving nod. "Ah, splendid! Thou hast my thanks, dear healer. Thy diligence is most appreciated." She collected the Pokéballs one by one, attaching them to her belt with practiced ease.

Nurse Joy smiled warmly. "Your team is quite impressive. Will you be challenging the Pewter City Gym next?"

Rin chuckled softly, brushing her hair back with a flick of her wrist. "Indeed, fair maiden, though I suspect my dear Mordy shall insist on some dramatic preamble before we grace the Gym's hallowed halls. 'Tis her way, after all."

Mordred's voice rang out. "Speak not of me as though I am deaf, Rin!" The blonde turned to the nurse. "Print out my sister's Pokemon profile."

Nurse Joy nodded politely and moved to the terminal behind the counter. "Of course. Let me access the Trainer Database for Miss Pendragon's Pokémon profiles."

Rin arched a brow at Mordred, her smirk returning. "Oh, thou art so predictable, sister. Truly, thou dost hunger not just for curry but for unnecessary drama. What dost thou hope to uncover, hmm? Evidence of mine unparalleled brilliance?"

Mordred crossed her arms, her crimson eyes narrowing. "Nay, Rin. I seek the truth—to confirm whether thy team is as absurd and mismatched as thy personality!"

Mordred's crimson eyes scanned the report with increasing intensity, her usual scowl melting into something more thoughtful as she muttered to herself.

"Five to six years old… levels above average…" She paused, her gaze sharpening as she reached Vespiquen's profile. "Residual Rock, Psychic, Poison, and Ghost energy? How in the world…?"

Her eyes flicked to the list of moves, and her jaw tightened. Fury Cutter, Bug Buzz, Power Gem… and then an exhaustive list that stretched far longer than she'd anticipated. Toxic, Cross Poison, Spikes, Toxic Spikes… Destiny Bond? Hex? Quiver Dance? Victory Dance? Mordred frowned. These weren't just moves plucked from randomness—this was a deliberate, crafted arsenal.

She leaned in, focusing on the notes detailing Vespiquen's battle scars and conditioning. The report highlighted evidence of numerous encounters, some of them grueling, with injuries that had been healed but still left faint marks. Mordred's frown deepened before twisting into something resembling pride.

"A good warrior," she murmured, almost to herself. Her voice softened slightly, though it still carried her sharp edge. "This Vespiquen hath seen many battles. Truly, it bears itself as one forged in fire and trial…"

But then, Mordred's eyes flicked to a note detailing the trade-offs. Rin's Vespiquen was physically stronger than others of its kind, boasting immense stamina and raw power, but at the cost of speed. Even so, the sheer variety of moves, particularly ones like Psychic Noise, Fell Stinger, and Victory Dance, required not just training but an extensive—and undoubtedly expensive—breeding and conditioning program. This was no ordinary Pokémon, nor was it a team haphazardly assembled.

Mordred looked up from the report, her eyes narrowing at her sister, who stood casually inspecting her nails, completely unfazed.

"Rin," Mordred growled, her tone heavy with accusation, "this… this is not the work of chance. Thy Vespiquen is no mere companion. How didst thou acquire such a warrior? Speak plainly, or dost thou think me a fool?"

Rin barely glanced up, her smirk widening. "Oh, Mordy, dost thou doubt me so much? I raised Vespiquen myself, of course. A queen must have her loyal subjects, after all."

And it wasn't just Vespiquen also known as Lush. As Mordred's eyes roamed the rest of the report, she couldn't help but marvel. 

"Water Type," she muttered, noting the detailed breakdown. "Residual Ice and Dragon Pokéenergy? That's unusual…" Her frown deepened as she read further. "Enhanced hydration cycle granting extended stamina in aquatic environments… Ice Beam, Scald, Aqua Ring… and Recover? Who trains a Pokémon to survive like this? It's a water tank built for attrition. What madness is this?"

Her eyes lingered on the notes about Rin's Vaporeon's customized training program. A highlight caught her attention: 'Conditioned to withstand prolonged battles against electric-types, utilizing heightened mobility and countermeasures.' Mordred's eyebrow twitched.

She shifted to the following Pokémon: Beautifly. Her scowl returned with full force. "Another Bug/Flying. A fool's choice," she muttered before freezing at the notes. "Residual Psychic and Fairy energy… specialized evasion tactics with optimized speed stats… Quiver Dance, Air Slash, Giga Drain… and Moonblast? What kind of Beautifly knows Moonblast?"

A Bug type… Yet it fights like a damn Psychic type.

Mordred's eyes settled on the next profile: Gardevoir, a name that immediately commanded respect. Grace.

"Trace ability," she murmured, already impressed. Her frown deepened as she read through the rest. "Residual Steel and Ice energy… What madness is this?" The Gardevoirs move set is very expensive. The stuff of envy among Gardevoir trainers: Moonblast, Psychic, Shadow Ball, Hyper Voice, Mystical Fire… and even the rare Aura Sphere. 

Grace looks more like a knight than a mage. 

Finally, Mordred's gaze fell on Lilligant. (Which is a species that she doesn't know) The name Dahlia was written in elegant script, and Mordred's eyes softened slightly.

"Dahlia…" she murmured. She read through the profile carefully, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Residual Grass and Poison Energy. Fast, deadly, relentless." The moves jumped off the page: Leaf Blade, Victory Dance, Drain Punch, U-turn, Sleep Powder… and Close Combat.

A note caught her attention: 'Specialized conditioning for agility and recovery. Designed to exploit type advantages and capitalize on speed-based counters.' Mordred nodded approvingly. "A flower with thorns sharper than blades," she said. "Rin… thou hast outdone thyself."

As Mordred closed the report, she felt a strange mix of emotions. Pride, irritation, and an overwhelming sense of purpose. "This team," she thought, "is ready for six badges at least. And with this kind of conditioning, thou couldst waltz into the League circuit without hesitation."

Her thoughts solidified into a decision. I will travel with thee, Rin. Whether thou wishest it or not, I shall see to it that thou dost enter the League and fight among the greats.

She turned sharply, fixing her sister with an intense gaze. "Rin," she said, her voice booming, "how dost thou intend to fight Flint?"

Rin looked up from inspecting her nails, her smile turning sharp and dangerous. Her crimson eyes gleamed, and her voice dropped to a low, almost predatory tone. "I shall break their bones first…" She paused, her Ninetales mirroring her bloodthirsty grin. "And then their dreams."

Mordred's heart swelled with pride. "Hah!" she barked. "Now that is the spirit of a true Pendragon!"

Standing stiffly behind the counter, Nurse Joy stared at the sisters with a polite but strained smile, clearly eager for them to leave.